Roswell city councilman makes first appearance on sex charges

ROSWELL, Ga. - A Roswell city councilman was arrested Thursday after police investigated a teen's claim of inappropriate sexual behavior.

Kent Igleheart, 53, is facing several charges, including sexual exploitation of children and enticing a child for indecent purposes.

Investigators said Igleheart had an online relationship with a 17-year-old old female since she was about 13-years-old. Police said Igleheart is accused of engaging in inappropriate conversations and exchanging nude photos with the minor. DeKalb County Police Major Stephen Fore said the girl just reported the alleged relationship to police on October 15.

Police arrested the suspect Thursday during an undercover operation. The suspect had rented a hotel room at the Days Inn on Northlake Parkway, attempting to meet up with the victim. He was taken into custody when he arrived.

"He didn't know we would be there. He had already bought alcohol and rented a room a hotel on Northlake Parkway for the encounter," Fore said.

Igleheart had his first video court appearance from the DeKalb County Jail Friday afternoon.

The veteran politician, who also serves as Mayor pro Tem for Roswell, stood nervously as a judge read the felony charges against him: purchasing alcohol for a minor, sexual exploitation of a minor and enticing a child for indecent purposes.

“We will not tolerate these types of crimes against our children," DeKalb County Police said in a news release. "The protection of our children is a priority."

Arrest warrants read aloud in Magistrate Court describe a disturbing allegations of a sexual relationship between Igleheart and a girl he met in an on-line chat room in August 2013 when she was just 13 years old. In the warrants, authorities say the 53 year old exchanged lewd and sexually explicit photos and conversations with the girl for four years.

“She may have thought she was talking to someone her age at first. But at some point she knew learned who was he was. We're certainly concerned--given the length of this relationship--that there could be other victims out there,” said Major Fore.

A judge granted Ingleheart a $30,000 bond and ordered him to stay away from the 17 year old if he makes bond.

Roswell City officials said they are aware of the charges against the veteran councilman and former actor, but declined to comment about the case.